READING: 2 Samuel 8:15-18; 1 Chronicles 18:12-17; 1 Chronicles 6:16-30, 48; 2 Samuel 9:1–10:19; 1 Chronicles 19:1-19
David was hardly a perfect king. In fact, there are reasons God would not allow him to build the Temple. At the same time, though, the writers of the Scriptures often characterize David’s life with words of affirmation and honor. He was, after all, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).
In today’s reading, two summary statements reflect God’s hand on David’s life. First, God “made David victorious wherever he went” (1 Chron 18:13). David faced enemy after enemy, but the Lord went before him and granted him victory. The king may have been a great warrior, but his successes were the result of God’s hand in his life. Second, David set up his governmental cabinet and ruled through them by doing “what was just and right for all his people” (1 Chron 18:14). In general, his leadership reflected the heart of God as he led others; and, in the words of one commentator, “No greater compliment can be paid to any ruler.”*
My prayer today is that we would so walk with the Lord that we lead with integrity and live in victory. May it be that others would look back on our lives and see those characteristics in us—and our reputation reflect God’s grace.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you living in victory today?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Father, You are the source of any victory I experience today. To You be the glory!”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 20:1, 2 Samuel 11:1–12:14, Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12:15-25, 2 Samuel 5:14-16, 1 Chronicles 14:3-7, 1 Chronicles 3:5-9
Corduan, W. (2017). 1 Chronicles. In E. A. Blum & T. Wax (Eds.), CSB Study Bible: Notes (p. 629). Holman Bible Publ